Cats are amazing creatures, and they can be wonderful pets. If you own a cat, then you need to inform yourself on how to properly care for your cat to ensure it is healthy. Read here about some ways to achieve your goals as a good cat owner.

Don’t let your cat near drape cords. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them. This may hurt them or possibly cause death. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.

TIP! If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. Do not allow your cat to play with these.

Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.

Your cat can devastate your furniture with its claws. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. They can scratch the post instead. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.

Keep your cat amused. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too. Sometimes, cat owners don’t realize this. Bored cats can become depressed and inactive, causing harm to their well-being. Provide your cats with the toys and space it needs. If your cat is an indoor cat, a cat tower or scratching post makes an ideal source of fun and exercise.

TIP! You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. If this does not work, make sure you cover the cords.

While cats are good pets for children generally, smaller children may treat them too roughly. Spend time instructing your children on cat care. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. Cats’ bones are more fragile than those of dogs, so they need gentler treatment.

When you get a cat for your kids, make sure your kids know the rules in advance. Explain where the cat is and isn’t allowed. If you’re planning to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that the cat is not allowed to be outside. Setting up rules ahead of time can help your kids understand better.

Be careful when leaving your cat with your children. A cat should not be left alone with a child under five years of age. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. As your child matures, carefully consider whether a small pet is safe with them.

TIP! Do not allow your cat to be bored frequently. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too.

Cats love high spots. Your cat will appreciate being on top of a cupboard, fridge or anywhere they can surrey their environment. If you’re averse to cat trees for some reason, a shelf without breakable items will work. To complete the package, add a cat bed or blanket.

Acclimate your cat to its carrier. Cats do not respond in the same way dogs do to punishment. They need positive reinforcement. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. Cats are natural explorers and sooner or later he will check it out. Once this is achieved, you can transport your cat inside the carrier much easier.

Make sure that your cat has a collar on with ID tags on it. Even indoor cats should have identification on them. Cats can slip out a door in a flash. It is a good idea to include your own phone number along with the name and contact number of your veterinarian. This is particularly important if you have a cat with medical needs.

TIP! Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices.

Are you having a hard time getting rid of cat hair? Cats shed a lot, so it is important to brush them often. Cats that shed a lot need to be brushed more frequently. This will lessen the amount of hair around your home and it will keep them from getting knots in their hair if they have medium or long hair.

Litter Box

Your kitty’s litter box should be strategically placed. Your first instinct will be to put it in a nook or cranny so that you won’t see or smell it. It is equally important that the litter box is readily accessible to your cat, though. Cats can be finicky, so it is important that you give them an environment they feel comfortable in. If you have the box on a floor that is cold cement for example, put a rug or mat under it.

TIP! Create a little tablecloth for your cat. Sometimes cats like to take food out of the bowl and eat it to the side of the bowl.

Some human foods you enjoy often are not good for your cat. In part, these include garlic, onions and grapes. Allowing your cat to eat even a few bites may cause serious illness or even death. Milk is something that can hurt your cat’s stomach, so beware of that too.

Your cat should remain indoors and near your home. Indoor kitties typically live longer than the outdoor variety. Outdoor trips should be made in the company of the owner to keep cats safe from the dangers (like infections and attacks) that free-ranging cats face.

Cats have a surprisingly acute sense of smell, making it easy for them to detect change in their environment. This applies to new pets and food in the home. Be prepared for your cat to be wary of the new item initially. As the smell of your home gets onto the items, they’ll warm up to them.

TIP! There needs to be set boundaries with your children and a new kitty. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be.

Are hairballs posing a serious problem for your cat, and additional brushing does not help to reduce them? Try mixing a teaspoon of pumpkin with your cat’s food. You can also mix one teaspoon of tuna water in with the pumpkin. Anti-hairball foods are available commercially as well.

As you know already, it can be very rewarding to be a cat owner. But they should be treated as the special species they are. They behave differently and have different nutritional needs. Refer back to this article whenever you have questions or concerns. You will be thanked by your cat.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This